When Thomas Partey is finally expected to return from injury

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey could be in line for an earlier return to the Gunners' side, according to reports, which could be a huge boost for Mikel Arteta.

We remember who Thomas Partey is, don't we? The Ghanaian midfielder, who, when fit, is an absolute joy to watch, has been missing from Arteta's side for what feels like forever.

After picking up a groin injury early in Arsenal's league campaign, Partey briefly returned to the Arsenal side, but then picked up another injury, this time, a long-term muscular injury.

When Thomas Partey is finally expected to return from injury

With the midfielder sidelined for months, The Mirror is now reporting that Partey could return to action sooner rather than later, with the trip to Nottingham Forest on 30 January cited as a potential return date.

It was initially thought that Partey could return to the Arsenal set-up before January, but given his injury troubles since coming to north London, the club have rightfully erred on the side of caution with the midfielder.

Having stepped up his rehabilitation over the last few weeks, first-team action against Forest looms as a distinct possibility.

When Declan Rice was signed in the summer, the prospect of him and Partey as a midfield duo was a tantalising thought, but since Rice's arrival, Partey can't seem to get on the pitch.

Arsenal have hit a serious rough patch, and there are reports that the club won't be getting any 'big' deals across the line, so there could only be short-term loan deals according to The Mirror.

Hence why a fully fit Partey for the second half of the season would be a blessing, but that is still a couple of weeks away. At long last, when it comes to Thomas Partey and injuries, we finally have some good news.